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Let’s face it: nothing kills the vibe of a road trip like the infotainment screen of your BMW or MINI stubbornly refusing to show Android Auto. You plug in your phone, wait for the magic to happen, and… nothing. No maps, no music, just you, the open road, and some wind noise. But don’t worry – you’re not alone. Plenty of drivers have been there and, thankfully, most Android Auto not working issues are easier to fix than you might think.
Why Android Auto Might Not Show Up
Several factors can prevent Android Auto from appearing on your car’s screen. These include compatibility issues, outdated software, incorrect settings, or connection problems with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward resolving the issue, so let’s take a look at some of those right now…
Top 7 Basic Troubleshooting Steps for Fixing Android Auto on BMW iDrive
Step 1 – Check your vehicle compatibility.
Not all BMW and MINI models support Android Auto out of the box. Some may require a retrofit or software upgrade, which is especially true for older vehicles. Verify that your car’s infotainment system supports Android Auto features and check if you need a cable to connect your phone. Not every implementation is wireless.
Step 2 – Ensure Android Auto is installed and updated.
Make sure your smartphone has the latest version of the Android Auto app installed. Outdated software can cause connectivity issues and prevent Android Auto from showing up on the BMW iDrive screen. Quick thing to note though is that while we’re referring to the AA as an app here, it’s not one in the traditional sense. It’s integrated into the OS, but you can still force an update or revert it via app settings.
Step 3 – Review Android Auto settings.
Go to your phone’s settings and ensure Android Auto is enabled. Check for any restrictions or battery optimizations that might prevent the app from running in the background.
Step 4 – Check for conflicting apps.
Some third-party apps can interfere with the operation of Android Auto. Try uninstalling or completely disabling recently installed apps to see if the problem persists.
Step 5 – Update your car’s software.
As is the case with any device, outdated software on the car’s infotainment system can also cause compatibility issues with Android Auto. Check for any available updates for your BMW or MINI’s iDrive system and install them if necessary.
Step 6 – Restart your phone and car’s infotainment system.
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches. We know it’s almost a meme at this point, but it actually works very often… Unpair your phone from your car, turn them off, wait a minute or so, then power them back on and try to pair them again.
Step 7 – Check connection settings.
In certain situations Android Auto not working on iDrive might be caused by the infotainment system not getting any signal or the signal being interrupted. For wired Android Auto: if you’ve got a spare USB cable, try using it to reconnect your phone. Troubleshooting a cable-free setup is going to be slightly different. If your car supports wireless Android Auto, ensure both your phone and car are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that Bluetooth is enabled.
The Thing Is Stubborn…! The 3 Additional Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
The simple fixes didn’t work? It’s time to step it up a notch. Like with anything technical, there are also more advanced solutions for the issues with Android Auto and BMW iDrive connectivity. Since the “gentler” approach didn’t help, we’ll have to explore these – think of it as whipping out an impact wrench after a regular breaker bar failed.
Step 1 – Clear cache and data.
If Android Auto keeps disconnecting or crashes frequently, clearing the app’s cache and data might help. Go to your phone’s Settings → Apps → Android Auto → Storage, then tap “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data.” After that, try pairing your phone to the BMW iDrive again.
Step 2 – Reset network settings.
If you’re using wireless Android Auto, resetting your phone’s network settings could resolve some connectivity issues. Problems with how the network operates may affect other connectivity methods, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Step 3 – Perform a factory reset.
As a last resort, you can try performing a factory reset on your phone and BMW iDrive system. Please note that this will erase all settings and data, so only consider it if you’re willing to reconfigure everything from the ground up.
How to do it? First, the Android Auto phone.
- Open the Settings.
- Find the System tab and choose the Reset options.
- In there, click Erase all data (factory reset).
- Confirm the reset by selecting Erase all data.
Your device will be restored to its original factory settings, so it might be a good idea to back up your data before attempting that. Now for resetting the BMW iDrive to its factory state…
- Find the iDrive settings in the settings menu.
- Navigate to the Data privacy tab.
- Next, choose the option called Delete personal data and click Confirm.
- Leave and lock your vehicle to complete the resetting process.
Again, remember that doing so will permanently remove all your settings and data.
Still Not Working? Consider an Upgrade
If you have a BMW or MINI and the reliability of your Android Auto is spotty or non-existent, you might consider grabbing a special retrofit to remedy that. BimmerTech’s Android Auto MMI Prime Retrofit offers both wireless and wired Android Auto capabilities, with a full-screen mode and front or rear view camera support. Since it’s a separate unit that utilizes the iDrive screen, if the display is functioning properly, you won’t have to worry about the connectivity problems you had before.
The Best Way to Fix Android Auto Not Showing Up on the iDrive Screen…
Android Auto not showing up on the iDrive screen is a common issue, but it’s usually fixable with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Start by checking compatibility, updating your apps and car software, and ensuring proper connections. If Android Auto keeps disconnecting or not connecting at all, try advanced solutions like clearing cache, resetting network settings, or retrofitting an external module. With the right approach, you’ll quickly get back to enjoying all the features of Android Auto on your BMW or MINI’s iDrive display.
